Senator Owen H. Johnson was a proud co-sponsor of the New York State Senate Resolution
honoring the 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Hispanic-segregated unit in the United States Military history.
The 65th Infantry Regiment was created in 1899 and became better known as the Borinqueneers from the word Borinquen, the name by which the native Taino Indians called Puerto Rico.
“In co-sponsoring this Legislative Resolution, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and eternal gratitude to the Borinqueneers. More than 20,000 Puerto Ricans have served courageously as Borinqueneers since World War I. Today we honor and thank them for their sacrifices, courageous acts and service to our country.”
The Borinqueneers, throughout their service in World War I, World War II, and most notably the Korean War, served with distinction, participated in nine major campaigns, and earned the respect and admiration of their fellow soldiers and military authorities, most notably General Douglas MacArthur.
The 65th Infantry Borinqueneers earned two United States Presidential Unit Citations, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two Republic of Korea Unit Citations, and individual members earned ten Distinguished Service Crosses, 421 Silver Stars, and 156 Bronze Stars.
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